Cofely Besix FM (CBFM) announced it has been awarded a three-year integrated facilities management (IFM) deal to manage two Aldar Academies schools in the UAE.

Aldar Academies had awarded CBFM an initial contract this January.

CBFM's work on the two additional facilities includes the all-girl Al Mamoura School, leading the company to employ its first female maintenance team comprising a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) supervisor, technicians, cleaners, and janitors.

The company will provide full hard and soft FM services for the facilities, including the operational and maintenance (O&M) of electrical services, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), fire and life safety systems, building management systems (BMS), and round-the-clock MEP services.

CBFM will also manage the internal and external fabric and structure of the facilities.

Its scope of works also includes the management of audio-visual (AV) and public announcement (PA) systems, general cleaning of the buildings, pool maintenance, pest control, and landscaping.

CBFM has assigned 42 personnel to its existing team of 85 staff assigned to the Aldar Academies portfolio.

Remarking on the contract win and the appointment of an all-girl maintenance team, Ian Harfield, chief executive officer of CBFM said: "It is an interesting cultural evolution to now welcome female supervisors and technicians to the CBFM team, and we believe this will set a precedent within the FM industry.

"In a sector assumed to be exclusively male, it is particularly encouraging to see female candidates coming forward to take the roles of MEP supervisor, electrical and mechanical technicians.

"It’s a makes great start to a longer term more diverse and dynamic workforce," Harfield added.